8 Best Pool Algaecides In 2019

Pool algaecides are the fastest and most effective way to get rid of algae growing in a swimming pool. The first step towards killing the algae in your pool is to identify what type it is. Once you know whether it is green, blue-green, yellow/mustard or black algae you’re dealing with, you can then get the best pool algaecide to kill them.

We have identified ten tried and true swimming pool algaecides that work and compiled a quick guide on how to identify the best algae killer for your algae problem so you can restore your pool’s water to crystal clear and healthy. You can also incorporate algaecide in your weekly pool maintenance and use it when opening and closing your swimming pool to keep algae at bay.

PoolRx Swimming Pool Algaecide

Our top pick for the best algaecide for poolsis this PoolRx algaecide. It is a top rated algaecide for pools whose effectiveness is attested by hundreds of pool owners. No matter what type of algae has invaded your pool, PoolRx will eliminate them and ensure they don't come back. If you have a stubborn infestation that keeps recurring and you have tried other treatments without success, PoolRx will be able to get rid of the problem once and for all. This 4pack has 4 individual units and each unit is designed for 7,500 - 20,000-gallon pools.

To treat your pool, start by cleaning your filter and then put the algaecide unit into the pump basket or skimmer basket. Your pool's water will go from completely green to sparkling clean and crystal clear in two to four days. The active ingredients in it are minerals that will dissolve and form a stable residual that will remain in your pool for up to 6 months making the water inhospitable to algae.

The outcome is not only an algae free pool but also well-balanced pool water. This is because the minerals also free chlorine making it more active and reducing the amount of chlorine you have to add to the pool. That it works very well, reduces the demand for sanitizer and keeps algae at bay for a long time makes this PoolRx totally worth the money.

What Makes This Pool Algaecide Stand Out

Eliminates all types of algae

Long-lasting effectiveness (up to 6 months)

Easy to apply

Frees up chlorine

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EDITORS CHOICE

Kem-Tek KTK-50-0006 Pool Algaecide

Kem-Tek KTK-50-0006 is a concentrated algaecide that works very well at getting rid of algae infestations. This algaecide is effective on most algae and is compatible with all filter types and pools including above ground pools and salt systems. To treat your pool, get rid of an algae bloom and prevent it from returning, follow the directions on the bottle.

Composed of 60% of the active ingredient, this is a fast acting algae killer. It gets rid of existing algae and prevents regrowth. One treatment keeps algae at bay for a long time. It is non-foaming so you can treat your pool and enjoy a swim shortly after. It is also a clarifying algaecide that leaves your water crystal clear.

What Makes This Pool Algaecide Stand Out

Highly concentrated and fast acting

Offers treatment and prevention

Long lasting treatment

A clarifying algaecide

Non-foaming algaecide

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BEST VALUE

In The Swim Super Pool Algaecide

This is a top rated algaecide for pools that has eliminated algae in thousands of swimming pools. If you've been struggling with stubborn algae that haven't gone away even after trying all kinds of chemicals, this super algaecide is worth a try. Although the bottle says `for controlling mustard algae growth in swimming pool', it wipes out most types of algae. It is okay to use in saltwater systems and doesn't ruin above ground pools liners.

A copper algaecide for pools with 23.5% Copper Triethanolamine Complex (7.1% Metallic copper equivalent) as the active ingredient, it destroys algae and restores crystal clarity as quickly as in a matter of hours. Since it is non-foaming, you can use it and go for a swim soon after. The recommended maintenance dosage is 2 ounces per 10,000 gallons while that of spring start-up is 4 ounces per 10,000 gallons.

What Makes This Pool Algaecide Stand Out

Concentrated and fast acting

Non-foaming copper-based algaecide

Effective even on tough and persistent infestations

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4

SeaKlear 90-Day Algae Prevention & Remover

SeaKlear kills and prevents all the types of algae that grow in swimming pools - green, blue-green, yellow and black algae. As long as you use it in balanced water and follow the provided instructions when using it, this product won't cause staining or produce foam and it will keep your pool algae free and the clearest it has ever been for 90 days.

The active ingredient is 11% copper sulfate pentahydrate, 3% copper as elemental. Dosage is 16 ounces per 10000 gallons of pool water. If you have a really bad case, you can apply 32 ounces per 10000 gallons of pool water.

What Makes This Pool Algaecide Stand Out

Works on all types of algae

Algae removal and prevention

Non-foaming and non-staining

90-days no algae guarantee

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5

Clorox Pool & Spa Green Algae Eliminator

Has your pool water turned from blue to green due to a green algae infestation? You need an effective algaecide for green pool and this aptly named green algae eliminator works very well at breaking down and killing stubborn green algae blooms. You can also use it weekly as a preventative algaecide.

Just follow the instruction and add the recommended dosage. It will kill the algae in several days. All you have to do then to reveal blue and clear pool water is to brush out surfaces and vacuum out the dead algae.

This algaecide for green pools kills and prevents green algae in all kinds of pools including salt systems and above ground pools. A non-foaming product, it has no damaging effects to your pool and you don't have to wait long before you can enjoy your algae free pool.

What Makes This Pool Algaecide Stand Out

Non-staining and non-foaming

An effective algaecide for green pools

Compatible will all types of pools

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Clorox Pool & Spa Algaecide Xtra Blue

Have a severe algae bloom or a stubborn algae infestation that keeps coming back no matter what treatments you try? Clorox Xtra Blue is the best pool algaecide for killing severe and stubborn algae. A copper algaecide for pools, it is an aggressive algae killer that eliminates not only green algae but also chlorine resistant mustard and black algae.

Just follow the directions, pour in the recommended amount and watch the algae disappear as your pool's pump runs. This algaecide will get rid of the tough algae and leave you with a clean and clear pool within 24 hours of use.

What Makes This Pool Algaecide Stand Out

Easy to use and fast acting

Treats severe algae growth

Non-foaming when used as directed

Compatible with salt systems

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7

United Chemical No Mor Problems

If you're fed up with fighting recurrent algae and wish to experience no more algae problems, you can be a step ahead of algae and stop it before it can bloom by adding a preventative algaecide such as No Mor Problems weekly. If you live in an area where algae thrive or have a pool prone to having algae problems, this is a must-have.

First, use an effective pool algae killer such as the Clorox Xtra Blue (number 6 on this list) to eradicate all the existing algae. After that, all you have to do to keep all types of algae at bay is to add a small squeeze of No Mor Problems into your pool once a week. This will keep your pool sparkling and crystal clear and ensure you face no more algae blooms.

A little goes a long way and this product also reduces the need for chlorine, clarifier, shock and other chemicals making it very economical. It is compatible with all sanitizers from biguanides, ionizers to salt systems.

What Makes This Pool Algaecide Stand Out

Very effective preventative algaecide

Registered as an E.P.A. algicide

Compatible with all sanitizers and salt systems

Improves pool water quality

Reduces chemicals usage

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8

EasyCare PoolTec Algaecide, Clarifier and Chlorine Booster

This is a three in one weekly pool maintenance product. It is an algaecide, clarifier and chlorine booster. It kills and inhibits regrowth of green, yellow, and black algae, clarifies pool water, and boosts chlorine effectiveness. Pouring in 4 ounces per 10,000 gallons every week will maintain an algae free pool with sparkling and crystal clear water. You can also use it when closing and opening your pool.

Using PoolTec keeps your swimming pool inviting and ready for diving into all the time. You will also count your savings as one bottle will last a 20,000-gallon pool 2 months. You won't have to spend money on phosphate reducers and algaecides and will spend less on basic pool chemicals.

What Makes This Pool Algaecide Stand Out

Algaecide, clarifier and chlorine booster in one product

Effective on all types of algae

Easy to use and makes pool maintenance easier

Cuts chemical usage

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How To Choose A Pool Algaecide – Buying Guide

To see the desired results, that is to get rid of the pool algae in your pool, you have to buy the right algaecide. Which top rated algaecide for pools will work best for you pool depends on what kind of algae is in your pool. It is also important to get a product that will work without damaging your pool water. Here is what to look for as you buy an algaecide for swimming pool.

Type and Color of Algae

In order to buy the best algaecide for your swimming pool, you will need to know what type of algae you’re dealing with. There are three types of algae that invade swimming pools.

Green algae are the most common and most algaecides can eliminate them. Yellow or mustard algae are not as common but are hard to eliminate because they are chlorine resistant. Black algae are the hardest to get rid of, as they have a tough protective coating that chlorine and most regular algaecides can’t penetrate. If the infestation looks like red or pink slime, what your pool has is bacteria.

Once you’ve identified the type of bloom you want to eliminate, you can choose an algae killer for pools that works on all types of algae or find one that is designed for and reviewed as effective in eliminating the specific type of growth in your pool.

Type of Algaecide

Just as there are different types of algae, there are different types of algaecides based on the active ingredient.

Copper algaecides for pools are powerful and very effective at killing even severe green and yellow/mustard algae. If not used properly, copper algaecides can stain pools. Silver algaecides are effective at killing black algae.

Quat and polyquat algaecides are effective on various types of algae. Quat or quaternary ammonium compounds are actually detergents and they are notorious for foaming if they aren’t used properly. Polyquat or polymers are non-staining and non-foaming and come in 30 to 60 percent concentrations.

Products with poly(oxyethylene (dimethylamino) ethylene as the active ingredient are effective on small algae infestations. Sodium bromide control algae by enhancing the effectiveness of chlorine.

Non-foaming

If you use an algaecide and it leads to foaming, you will be annoyed as this will mean extra work clearing the foam or having to wait for days for the foam to clear and the water to sparkle.

You can avoid this by choosing a non-foaming algaecide that won’t cause foaming. With such a treatment, the water will clean and clear quickly and you can take a dip in your pool shortly after applying the algae treatment. To prevent foaming, it is also important to apply the treatment as directed and avoid overdosing your pool.

With quat pool algaecides, quaternary ammonia can foam and cause suds. Polymer algaecides are non-foaming as are the best algaecides for pools we have reviewed here.

Long-lasting

Once you apply a treatment, you want it to eliminate the existing algae and prevent regrowth. You don’t want to find a new infestation the following week. If you apply it when closing your pool for winter, you want it to protect your pool throughout the season.

Make sure you choose a treatment that will get rid of algae and keep it from returning by checking how long its active ingredient stays active and keep algae at bay. There are products that offer 90-day protection and there are some that guard your pool for as long as six months.

Pool Friendly

Whether you want the best algaecide for an above ground pool with a liner or have an in-ground pool, you want to be sure that the algaecide you use won’t damage your pool structure and components. If there is an ingredient that can damage pools, there will be cautionary text on the bottle or package. Be sure to read the writing that comes with your product and use it as directed.

You also need to make sure you choose an approved algaecide that does not contain hazardous ingredients that can harm swimmers. Most pool algaecides contain active ingredients that don’t harm swimmers and contain them in low concentrations such that it is safe to swim after an application. It is recommended to wait at least 15 minutes before using your pool after putting an algaecide in it.

Cost

While algaecides are not expensive, they are not a one-time purchase. Even after eliminating an algae bloom, you will want to apply a weekly dose for preventative maintenance. The cost and value are therefore important considerations. The economical option is one where a single treatment keeps algae at bay for a long time, one where one product purchase can last you a long time and one that improves water quality reducing the need for other chemicals.

Non-Staining and Stain Removing

An algae infestation messes up your pool by contaminating and discoloring it. The best pool algaecide is one that gets rid of the algae as well as the stains. It should turn your water from green to blue and crystal clear and leave the bottom and walls sparkling clean.

The algaecide itself should be non-staining. Copper-based algaecides can stain pools so choose a product that is formulated to be non-staining or has a low concentration of copper and apply it according to instructions.

Clarifying Algaecide

You definitely don’t want an algaecide that works but leaves you with a cloudy and foamy pool. You want one that makes the water crystal clear. Choose an algaecide for swimming pool that not only treats existing algae and prevents regrowth but also clarifies the water and leaves it bright and sparkling clean. You can tell whether a product is clarifying by checking its description and going through its pool algaecide reviews by pool owners.

FAQs

Q: Why Should I Use A Non-foaming Algaecide?

A: An algaecide that foams up your pool water after doing its job is not one you want to use. Not only will the foam be unsightly, but it will also prevent you from using your swimming pool as you have to wait for the water to clear up. To prevent foaming and to be able to use your swimming pool minutes after applying an algaecide, you should use a non-foaming product and apply it according to the instructions that come with it.

Q: How Much Algaecide Should I Put In My Pool?

A: How much you should put in your pool will depend on the product you’re using. The user instructions your algaecide will come with will include the dosage to apply to eliminate the algae. The dosage is usually per 10,000 gallons of water. You can then calculate the quantity to add to your pool based on its size. Some manufacturers also provide a dosage for severe infestations, for weekly maintenance, and for when opening and closing your pool.

Q: When Should I Add Algaecide To My Pool?

A: You should add algaecide as soon as you notice an algae growth – a greenish yellow film at the bottom or sides of your pool. This will eliminate the algae before it can spread and colonize your swimming pool. For preventative maintenance, you should add it weekly after cleaning and balancing your pool.

Q: My Pool Still Looks Green After Adding Algaecide. What Should I Do?

A: First of all find out how long the algaecide you used takes to get rid of algae and restore your pool from green to crystal clear. It could be that the algaecide is still doing its job and you just need to be a little patient.

If it seems that the algaecide is not working, you can treat the pool again. For effectiveness, if you have stubborn algae, use a pool brush to brush the areas affected by algae growth before you add treatment.

Start by adding chlorine, which is very effective at killing green algae, then add algaecide to get rid of the green color. It can take hours for your swimming pool to turn from green to the attractive clean and clear swimming pool blue.

Q: My Pool Looks Cloudy After Adding Algaecide. What Should I Do?

A: Your pool could be cloudy because your pool’s filters are not working properly or because there is insufficient chlorine in the water. The wrong pH balance also affects the performance of an algaecide.

What you should do first is clean the pool filters and make sure your water’s pH is within the proper range. Add chlorine until there is a sufficient level in your pool and then add a non-foaming algaecide according to the instructions. You might also have to vacuum out the dead algae to clear out the water.

Globo Surf Overview

Wind, swimmers, rain and other things can introduce algae in swimming pools. They then lie low waiting for an opportunity to bloom with a vengeance. If the water balance is off even slightly, algae can appear almost instantaneously.You should get rid of them as soon as possible, as algae spread rapidly and make pool water unhealthy to swim in.

Adding the best pool algaecide for the type of algae growing in your pool is the most effective way to get rid of algae quickly. To prevent regrowth, keep your pool water clean and pool chemistry well balanced. You can also add a preventative algaecide weekly for maintenance of an algae free pool.

Globo Surf Pool Algaecides Reviews

“Thank you for this article because without it I couldn't fix my pool. The pool turned green first but I thought that it's from the rain, however it turned out that it's some type of algae. Since I don't know how to fix it I turned to the internet for an advice and found this article.”

My name is David Hamburg. I am an avid water sports fan who enjoys paddle boarding, surfing, scuba diving, and kite surfing. Anything with a board or chance I can get in the water I love! I am such a big fan I decided to start this website to review all my favorite products and some others. Hope you enjoy!